The popular Readers to the Rescue program is back, and better than ever.  During the summer months, children will have the opportunity to read AND help an endangered species!

This year, our charity partnership is with the Oceanic Society. When children sign up and read for the Readers to the Rescue program, they will help the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library to adopt a whale!  For every two hours read, our library sponsors will set aside a small amount of money.  By the end of the summer, we hope to raise enough to adopt a Humpback Whale from the Oceanic Society!  The “adoption fee” will help the Oceanic Society to continue their studies of whales and to spread awareness about endangered ocean animals.

Want to learn more about Humpback Whales?  See wikipedia's entry on humpback whales.

Why should you read for Readers to the Rescue?

Because participants are reading to help others, the pressure is off!  They can read any books they love without worrying about reading levels, point systems, or tests.  These young readers are also helping others.  Studies have shown that children as young as 2 years old want to help those around them.  This reading program is a great way to encourage this natural inclination towards giving.

Learn more about the Oceanic Society at oceanicsociety.org

What does a humpback whale look like?

There are lots more photos of humpback whales on flickr.

Humpback Whale feeding, by by rubonix

Hervey Bay Whales 3938, by Michael Dawes

humpback whales (Swimming with humpbacks in the Kingdom of Tonga) by g-na

Humpback Whale by marj_k